Personal Statement: Top 10 Rules and Pitfalls

Writing the Personal Statement: Top 10 Rules

• Strive for depth rather than breadth. Narrow focus to one or two key themes, ideas or experiences
• Try to tell the reader something that no other applicant will be able to say
• Provide the reader with insight into what drives you
• Be yourself, not the 'ideal' applicant
• Get creative and imaginative in the opening remarks, but make sure it's something that no one else could write
• Address the school's unique features that interest you
• Focus on the affirmative in the personal statement; consider an addendum to explain deficiencies or blemishes
• Evaluate experiences, rather than describe them
• Proofread carefully for grammar, syntax, punctuation, word usage, and style
• Use readable fonts, typeface, and conventional spacing and margins

Writing the Personal Statement: Top 10 Pitfalls

• Do not submit an expository resume; avoid repeating information found elsewhere on the application
• Do not complain or whine about the "system" or circumstances in your life
• Do not preach to your reader. You can express opinions, but do not come across as fanatical or extreme
• Do not talk about money as a motivator
• Do not discuss your minority status or disadvantaged background unless you have a compelling and unique story that relates to it
• Do not remind the school of its rankings or tell them how good they are
• Do not use boring clichéd intros or conclusions
  • "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is..."
  • "This question asks me to discuss..."
  • "I would like to thank the admissions committee for considering my application."
  • "It is my sincere hope that you will grant me the opportunity to attend your fine school."
  • "In sum, there are three reasons why you should admit me..."
• Do not use unconventional and gimmicky formats and packages
• Do not submit supplemental materials unless they are requested
• Do not get the name of the school wrong
• Do not incorporate technical language or very uncommon words

Stewart, Mark Alan. Perfect Personal Statements. New York: Simon & Schuster Macmillan, 1996.

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其中Do not complain or whine about the "System" or circumstances in your life. 不知道有没有谁曾经有这种冲动。。。写在PS里，such as:&*@^%$^%^,so I choose your program...